Donor Bill of Rights

When soliciting funds from the public or from donor institutions, GFS uses material that is truthful about the organization. GFS respects the privacy concerns of individual donors and expends funds consistent with donor intent. GFS discloses important and relevant information to potential donors.

In raising funds from the public, GFS will respect the rights of donors, as follows:*

Donors will be informed of the mission of GFS, the way the resources will be used and their capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purpose;

Be informed of the identity of those serving on GFS’s governing board and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities;

To have access to GFS’s most recent financial reports;

To be assured their gifts will be used for purposes for which they are given;

To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition;

To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law;

Approach donors in a professional manner;

To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of GFS, or hired solicitors;

To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that GFS may intend to share;

Are encouraged to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.

The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. It has been endorsed by numerous organizations.